17 Mar 2025
May the Lord have mercy on us and not allow us to be put to shame. May He forgive our iniquity. May He show us His ways and teach us His paths. Psalm 25:1-7.
Today’s Verse – Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. —Isaiah 41:10 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… God’s story through the history of his people, Israel, in the Old Testament is one of triumph, protection, and faithfulness despite his people’s wayward attitude. Just as God was with Israel, so also God is with us. God cares for us. God hears our prayers. God longs to bless and protect us. God longs to strengthen and uphold us. Let’s put our hope in him and trust that he “will uphold” us with his “righteous right hand.” My Prayer… O God of creation, you are my God. I choose to put my faith in you! I long to bring you honor and glory. So, please stir my courage to live victoriously and passionately for you. I trust that as I display your character and live for your glory, you will strengthen and uphold me with your mighty presence within me and by your mighty arm of grace around me. In you, O LORD, I have placed my hope. In Jesus’ name, I declare your glory and my allegiance to you. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Today’s Verse – Proverbs 29:25
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe. —Proverbs 29:25 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Jesus told us not to fear our human adversaries (Luke 12:4-5). When we try to please others and fear what others may say or do to us, we place ourselves in a position of unnecessary vulnerability. Our lives no longer remain our own. We become captive to what others think, want, or threaten. We are only to trust the LORD and reverence him. Actively placing our faith in the LORD crowds fear out of our hearts with our Father’s perfect love (1 John 4:18). As we deliberately put our faith in the LORD, God becomes our security, now and forevermore. Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Please keep me safe, O LORD, from those who oppose me and would do me harm. Give me the courage to live for Jesus and live a life of righteous character, gracious compassion, and faithful love regardless of what my adversaries say, think, criticize, or threaten. May my life be a holy praise to you. In Jesus’ name, I offer myself, my praise, and this prayer. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
14 Mar 2025
The beauty of our Lord is His loving nature. He delights in being merciful. His anger does not endure forever. May we not only experience that. May we also extend mercy to others Micah 7:18.
Daily Prayer for March 14
Then the Lord will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory will be a canopy. It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain. Isaiah 4:5-6, NIV Dear Father in heaven, our refuge for this day and for each day to come, touch us with the finger of your power. Be our protection and strong defense against all attacks of darkness. Where people look to you out of the darkness, let their eyes grow shining bright with the light from your eyes. Let your light shine within us and around us. Let your light bring your cause to victory, to the final great day of Jesus Christ. Amen. Recent articles on Plough The Workism Trap Bobby Jamieson No, your career is not your path to fulfillment. Read now Building Solidarity in Europe’s Gig Economy Ben Wray Food-delivery bike riders in London, Berlin, and Copenhagen are pushing back against their algorithmic bosses. Read now The First Task of the Church Stanley Hauerwas The most creative political solutions Christians have to offer our troubled society are not new laws, advice to policymakers, or social programs. Read now The Flamingo Loophole Alice Pistolesi How a climbing gym in the war-scarred Balkans brought residents and migrants together. Read now Why Watch The Brutalist? Chris Zimmerman Brady Corbet’s Oscar-winning film may be long and bleak, but it won’t disappoint the intrepid viewer. Read now
13 Mar 2025
Now, we are not dealing with a god who doesn’t understand our weaknesses. He created us. Knowing us well, the Lord orchestrated a solution to our selfishness and wickedness. He sent His son to walk on the earth and encourage mankind. He brought hope, mercy, and love. He knows what ails us and is willing to help. May we be encouraged to embrace Him. Hebrews 4:14-16.
Daily Prayer for March 13
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6, NIV Dear Father in heaven, may our hearts find words to praise you together, to ask you with one accord that we may be brought into community with you. We come to you with our whole selves, with all that we have experienced, with all that has been given to us through your leading. For to this day you have shown us the way, guiding us through right and wrong, through the perfect and the imperfect. You have led us all to know that we belong to you. We are yours. You are working in us to bring about what you have in mind for each one of us and for the many, many who hunger and thirst for justice and truth. Be with us through your Spirit. Touch us through the hand of Jesus Christ. He is our Savior, and we hold fast to him so that we can praise you in his name. Amen. Recent articles on Plough Building Solidarity in Europe’s Gig Economy Ben Wray Food-delivery bike riders in London, Berlin, and Copenhagen are pushing back against their algorithmic bosses. Read now The First Task of the Church Stanley Hauerwas The most creative political solutions Christians have to offer our troubled society are not new laws, advice to policymakers, or social programs. Read now The Flamingo Loophole Alice Pistolesi How a climbing gym in the war-scarred Balkans brought residents and migrants together. Read now Why Watch The Brutalist? Chris Zimmerman Brady Corbet’s Oscar-winning film may be long and bleak, but it won’t disappoint the intrepid viewer. Read now Can Hobbies Bridge Political Divides Aryana Petrosky Bonding over shared passions can help dissipate political divisions, but only if we don’t let our hobbies become politicized. Read now
Today’s Verse – 1 Chronicles 4:10
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. —1 Chronicles 4:10 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… When we tune our hearts to God’s will and we long to honor our LORD, our Father delights in blessing us in mighty ways. (See yesterday’s devotional thoughts.) So, let’s first set our hearts on doing his will. Then, let’s not be afraid to ask God to pour his blessings on others and share with the LORD the desires of our hearts. Finally, let’s not be surprised at how many ways he blesses us in response to our prayers! My Prayer… O God, please show yourself to be glorious in the ways you bless me, especially the ways you bless those I love. Help all people know that these blessings do not come from our wisdom, skill, or strength but from your grace. In Jesus’ name, I ask it. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
13 Mar 2025
The human heart is generally wicked. Devoid of God’s love, man can do atrocious things. Hence the need to surrender to God and to allow Him to mold us into what He wants us to be. Nehemiah 9:26-31.
Daily Prayer for March 12
But now, this is what the Lord says – he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:1-2, NIV Dear Father in heaven, we thank you for the gift of your light in our hearts, allowing us to have faith in you. We thank you for your light, which shows us the many ways you save us from need, darkness, and death. In the midst of this darkness you keep our hearts safe so that we can be faithful until your time comes, the time when you will reveal yourself to the world, and when all voices will cry out as one, “Yes, Father in heaven, we thank you. You have redeemed us all.” Amen. Recent articles on Plough The First Task of the Church Stanley Hauerwas The most creative political solutions Christians have to offer our troubled society are not new laws, advice to policymakers, or social programs. Read now The Flamingo Loophole Alice Pistolesi How a climbing gym in the war-scarred Balkans brought residents and migrants together. Read now Why Watch The Brutalist? Chris Zimmerman Brady Corbet’s Oscar-winning film may be long and bleak, but it won’t disappoint the intrepid viewer. Read now Can Hobbies Bridge Political Divides Aryana Petrosky Bonding over shared passions can help dissipate political divisions, but only if we don’t let our hobbies become politicized. Read now The Divine Rhythm of Work and Sabbath Alastair Roberts The Bible’s story of labor begins in Eden – and its ending is still to come. A journey from Genesis to the Apocalypse. Read now